The next youngster signs a pro contract with VfL Bochum. Offensive player Alessandro Crimaldi caught the eye in the VfL youth team with his goal-scoring threat.

VfL Bochum has signed another talented player to a professional contract. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Alessandro Crimaldi signed a long-term contract at Castroper Straße that runs until June 30, 2029.

The Italian U19 international currently plays for VfL’s U19 team and made his debut for the U21s in the Regionalliga West last weekend in a 2-2 draw against Wuppertaler SV. He immediately earned his first point when he set up Jonathan Akaegbobi’s goal to make it 1-0.

Crimaldi moved from VfL Wolfsburg’s U17 team to Castroper Straße in the summer of 2024. At the age of 16, the winger traveled directly to the professionals’ training camp and was also there this summer. In his first season in a VfL jersey, he scored six goals and set up ten more in the U19 youth league. The 18-year-old has already scored five goals and provided three assists for the U19s in the current season.
“Alessandro Crimaldi is a great talent and well on his way to professional football,” says Pablo Thiam, director of the VfL talent factory. “He is not just a finisher, but also sets up his teammates. With the U21s, we at VfL have the opportunity to get him used to senior football at an early stage. We hope this will allow us to gradually introduce him to the professional game.”

Crimaldi, who was born in Würzburg and has both Italian and German citizenship, is delighted to have signed his first professional contract: “I’ve felt very comfortable in Bochum since my arrival. It was the right step for my development and I’m ready to take the next steps here at VfL. I’m aware that I have to continue to work hard and give my all to achieve my goals.”